So, you’re hunting for an engineering internship in the UK? First of all—nice one. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or already knee-deep in CAD files and coffee-fueled study sessions, an internship is one of the best ways to turn that theory into real-world “aha!” moments.

But let’s be real. Finding an engineering internship can sometimes feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual. (And you will end up with at least one mysterious leftover screw.)

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s walk through it together.

1. Figure Out What You Actually Want

Before you throw yourself into applications, hit pause. Ask yourself:

• What kind of engineering am I into? (Mechanical, civil, electrical, software, etc.)

• Do I want a big-name company or a startup with bean bags and cereal dispensers?

• Would I rather be in a city like London or somewhere quieter, like Bath or Sheffield?

It’s kind of like dating—you’ve got to know your own vibe before swiping right on everything.

2. Start with the Obvious: Uni Careers Services

I know, I know. Everyone says this. But seriously, your university careers team is gold. They have connections you don’t. They’ve seen a thousand CVs. They know what companies are actually hiring grads and interns.

Go to their events. Book a 1:1 chat. Ask them to review your CV. You’ll be surprised how much they can help you polish things up.

3. Use These Websites Like a Pro

These aren’t just job boards—they’re internship treasure chests:

• Gradcracker – the go-to for engineering and tech students in the UK. Bookmark it.
• RateMyPlacement – real reviews from real interns. Super helpful for scoping out companies.
• Internwise – a hidden gem for students and grads looking for internships across all sectors, including engineering. Great for smaller companies and startups you might not find elsewhere.
• TARGETjobs and Prospects.ac.uk – more than just listings, they also give advice and timelines.
• LinkedIn – not just for stalking your classmates' job titles. Companies post roles there all the time.

Pro Tip: Set up alerts. You don’t want to be the person who finds their dream role... after it closes.

4. Apply Smart, Not Just Often

Yes, it’s a numbers game. But don’t just shotgun 50 identical CVs and hope for the best. That’s like sending the same cheesy pickup line to 50 people—it’s obvious and it doesn’t work.

Instead:

• Tailor your application to each role.

• Mention why you’re interested in that company.

• Highlight your skills with specific examples (projects, group work, part-time jobs—even babysitting if it taught you time management!).

It takes more time, but it shows you care. And trust me, hiring managers can tell.

5. Don’t Sleep on Smaller Companies

Big names like Rolls-Royce and Dyson are great, but guess what? Everyone’s applying there.

Smaller companies—think local consultancies or niche engineering firms—often offer better hands-on experience. You might even get to work directly with the senior engineers instead of being “Spreadsheet Person #4.”

Send a speculative email with your CV. Keep it short, friendly, and show enthusiasm. Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t even advertised.

6. Network Without Feeling Weird About It

Okay, I get it—“networking” sounds like something your uncle in sales would go on about at Christmas.

But it doesn’t have to be cringey. Start simple:

• Join a university engineering society.

• Attend a careers fair or industry event.

• Connect with alumni on LinkedIn. Drop them a polite message—something like:

“Hi! I’m studying mechanical engineering at [Uni], and I saw you interned at [Company]. I’d love to hear what your experience was like—any advice you’d give someone applying there?”

Most people love talking about themselves, so don’t be afraid to ask.

7. Be Okay with Rejection (Seriously)

Not every application will turn into an offer. And that’s totally normal.

You might send 20 applications before hearing back. You might bomb an interview. That doesn't mean you're not good enough—it just means you're human.

Learn from it, tweak your approach, and keep going. Persistence beats perfection, every time.

One Last Thing...

Finding an internship isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about discovering what kind of engineer you want to be. Even if it’s a summer role making tea and testing sensors, you’ll learn something that textbooks just can’t teach.

So take a deep breath. Be kind to yourself. And remember: every engineer starts somewhere.

You’ve got this.